For Black History Month 2024, we have teamed up with another local, independent business: Afrori Books. Together we’re celebrating Black stories in books and stand-up comedy. In this guest blog, Afrori Books founder Carolynn Bain reflects on this year’s Black History Month theme of ‘Reclaiming Narratives’.
As a child growing up in South London, finding books with Black representation was, quite frankly, like hunting for treasure. There’d be a tiny “BAME” shelf tucked away in the darkest corner of the shop—down the stairs, over the snake pit, and past the temple of doom! (Okay, maybe not literally, but it felt that way.)
At Afrori Books, we’re on a mission to create diverse bookshelves, because diversity in literature isn’t a niche need—it’s for everyone.
Busting Myths of Black stories
One of the biggest hurdles for Black authors is this frustrating two-pronged myth:
- They only write about Black trauma.
- They only write for Black audiences.
So how do we change that? Simple. We keep doing the work. We continue to platform Black authors and make sure their books are easily accessible. These books are out there, covering every genre, for all audiences.
But here’s the kicker—comedy is one of the hardest genres to find.
Where Are the Black Comedic Voices?
Are publishers stuck in the belief that Black people can’t be funny? Who knows. But what I do know is that our comedy section is, shall we say, not exactly overflowing—and yet it’s a genre we constantly get asked about.
Last year, we had huge success with Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damiola Blackburn. It’s a brilliantly funny tale of a young woman being hounded by her aunties to leave single life behind. That book was a breath of fresh air, and I hope it’s paving the way for more Black comedic voices in mainstream publishing.
A few weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting front row (yes, front row!) when Richard Ayoade launched his new book The Unfinished Harauld Hughes. Fans of Richard’s quirky humour from The IT Crowd and other shows will know that this man could read a shopping list and leave you in stitches. His latest book is a hilarious fictional quest to rescue Harauld Hughes—an almost forgotten playwright—from obscurity. And yes, I was crying with laughter as he read excerpts from it.
Let’s Celebrate Black Stories
Books like Richard’s and Lizzie’s are not only great for our hearts and minds, because let’s face it, we could all do with more laughter, but they’re also essential for the publishing industry. They shatter myths and challenge the tired narratives surrounding Black fiction.
So this Black History Month, as we celebrate and reflect, I hope you’ll reach for a book that makes you laugh. Because not only is laughter good for the soul, but by reading these books, you’re playing a part in changing the industry—an industry with so much untapped potential for joy, humour, and diversity.
Carolynn Bain is the founder of Afrori Books and a local legend.
To celebrate Black stories in books and stand-up comedy, visit the bookshop at the Brighthelm Centre and then head to Komedia (only a 5-minute walk away!) for the best live comedy experience.